The Nigerian Government Reveals It Furnished Key Information for Christmas Day Airstrikes as US Official Predicts of More Attacks
Nigeria's government has confirmed that it played a role in the US airstrikes conducted on December 25, according to the nation's foreign minister this week.
Ex-President Donald Trump previously declared the strikes against ISIS fighters in north-west Nigeria after spending weeks criticizing the group for attacking Christian communities.
Extensive Discussions Preceded the Operation
Nigeria's top diplomat, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that he had held "extensive" discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio immediately before and after the airstrike.
He further added that Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, had granted authorization for the airstrikes. Tuggar left the door open for further strikes, characterizing them as an "continuous effort" that would also involve international partners.
"The strikes had no connection to a particular religion," Tuggar insisted in an discussion with the BBC. "It is about targeting militants who have been killing Nigerians."
US Warns of More Actions in Nigeria
Shortly following the Christmas Day operation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of more strikes against Islamic State targets in the region.
Hegseth described the strikes as part of a mission to halt the killing of Christians, a stance reiterated by the ex-commander in chief. In a social media post, Hegseth wrote, "He was clear... the murder of innocent Christians in Nigeria must cease. More to come..."
Political Reaction to the Airstrikes
The holiday military operation were met with praise by some supporters of the ex-leader, who had been agitating for a forceful response to the violence against Christians.
"There is no a better way to observe the holiday than by responding to the killings of Christians," posted one prominent activist on social media.
Key Points from the Revelations
- Cooperation: Nigeria actively provided crucial information for the American operation.
- High-Level Approval: President Bola Tinubu personally authorized the strikes.
- Ongoing Process: The operation is viewed as an "continuing mission" with the possibility of more strikes.
- Secular Objective: Nigerian officials strongly insist the targeting are solely about counter-terrorism, not religion.
- US Commitment: A top American official has signaled additional strikes are on the horizon.
The situation underscores the evolving security cooperation between the West African nation and the United States in combating militant groups in the region.
